2024-01-09 14:35:47
Three species of stinging caterpillars present in mainland France and Corsica were at the heart of the risk analysis carried out by Anses: the oak processionary caterpillar, the pine processionary caterpillar and the brown-legged bombyx caterpillar. The venoms contained in their hairs can cause both skin damagelike hives comparable to nettle stings, which respiratory or ocular. They can also cause skin allergies in case of repeated contact with stinging hairs. Tongue or skin damage is also observed in animals.
« The oak processionary caterpillar has extended its distribution area in France towards the west, while the pine processionary caterpillar has moved towards the north and west, explains Emmanuel Gachet, head of the Expertise unit on biological risks within the ANSES Plant Health Laboratory. Territories that were not colonized until recently must now take measures once morest the proliferation of these insects. The risk may be higher because people living in newly infested areas generally take fewer precautions than those accustomed to the presence of these caterpillars. »
The expertise carried out by ANSES assessed the health risk linked to exposure to these caterpillars and worked on appropriate management and control measures to be implemented, taking into account the analysis of the effectiveness of the methods. preventive and curative control measures available.
Map the level of risk by municipality
Of the risk maps, allowing French municipalities to be divided into five classes, have been established for the three species of stinging caterpillars. This classification is determined by the level of danger and the level of exposure of vulnerable human populations to these caterpillars.
The danger is linked to the probability of presence of caterpillars, assessed using data provided by the Forest Health Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. There vulnerability of exposed populations is estimated on the basis of the number of inhabitants, children under five years of age and the number of professionals likely to be exposed due to their profession.
« These cards are tools intended to help the authorities at the municipal, departmental or regional level adapt prevention and control measures to the level of risk, explains Emmanuel Gachet. The classification of municipalities according to the level of risk linked to stinging hair caterpillars is not fixed in time, it may evolve with the geographical distribution of caterpillars or the management measures put in place. It should also be noted that risk levels are not comparable between species. For example, the highest risk class, level 1, does not represent the same risk of exposure depending on whether it is the pine processionary moth or the brown-legged bombyx. »
Anticipate risk through monitoring and prevention
Possible management measures range from informing the public in the event of an occasional outbreak of caterpillars with stinging hairs to prohibiting access to infested forest areas and green spaces in the municipalities most at risk. These measures must be implemented in a graduated mannerstarting with a surveillance phase to confirm the presence of caterpillars and the level of infestation in a municipality.
Depending on the level of risk, preventive or curative control measures may be recommended. Planting non-host trees for pine processionary caterpillars is, for example, a way to prevent the colonization of a new area. Once the caterpillars are established, experts recommend means of mechanical disposalsuch as destroying nests or setting traps in the case of the pine processionary moth.
Furthermore, professionals can develop an allergic reaction following repeated exposure to the venom toxins contained in the hairs, which can go as far as anaphylactic shock. ANSES launched a survey at the end of 2022 to characterize exposure, health damage and associated risk factors among professionals most at risk. The most exposed professions concern professionals working in forests and green spaces, farmers and professionals in the equine sector. The Agency recommends carrying out prevention campaigns at their destination and recommends wearing protective equipment when working in an area where processionary caterpillars are present.
Monitor pets
Animals can also be victims of stinging caterpillars: according to data from veterinary poison control centers, 91% of reported cases of exposure concern dogs, with cats representing approximately 7% of cases. The most common lesions in canines are located on the tongue and mouth. Young dogs are particularly affected. In cats, it is the paws and the digestive system that are most exposed. Cases of exposure are also reported in horses and ruminants. In infested areas, it is therefore necessary to be vigilant regarding the exposure of domestic animals.
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